Ameztoi 2022 Stimatum Getariako Txakolina Tinto, Spain

Stimatum, meaning esteemed, is Ameztoi’s limited red txakoli. It is produced exclusively from the local, indigenous hondarrabi beltza (cabernet franc) variety, grown on traditional trellises high on the slopes rising above Getaria, an ancient Basque fishing village on Spain’s rugged northern coast. In the 2000s, when almost all of the other local wineries gave up on the indigenous red hondarrabi beltza vines, the Ameztoi family retained their old vines, giving their wines such exceptional vibrancy and complexity. Stimatum is inspired by the historic claret-style wines which were once produced in the area before phylloxera. The backbone of the blend comes from an old hondarrabi beltza vineyard planted in 1840, preserved by the Ameztoi family for generations. The traditional style of Stimatum is true to the origins of the Getariako region’s winemaking tradition, a low-alcohol wine with a luminous, refreshing frame and the signature spritz of natural, residual CO2. It is a fantastic, natural accompaniment to the local calamares en su tinta, squid served in its own ink.

On the nose red cherries, red currant, orange peel, fresh floral notes and hints of white pepper. The same lively profile on the palate, with increased fruit intensity and sweeter spices.  Lovely with fish, shellfish, game, sausages and spicy fare.